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Phase Three Brewing receives Chicago tavern license for Avondale taproom

Phase Three Brewing receives Chicago tavern license for Avondale taproom

Built World Chicago, IL local

The suburban brewery's first Chicago location at the former Metropolitan Brewing space gets a required license, but no opening date is set.

4 days ago: Chicago issues tavern license for Phase Three at 3057 N. Rockwell St.

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

Phase Three Brewing Company received a Chicago tavern license on November 2 for its planned taproom at 3057 N. Rockwell St. in Avondale. The license allows consumption of liquor on the premises.

The brewery announced in August it would take over the former Metropolitan Brewing space at Rockwell on the River. Phase Three, which has taprooms in Lake Zurich and Elmhurst, plans to open its first Chicago location later this year, but no opening date has been announced.

Why it matters

The license moves Phase Three closer to opening a taproom in a Chicago craft beer scene that has seen several closures and consolidations in recent years.

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Key Indicators

3
Phase Three taprooms after opening
The Avondale location would be the brewery's third taproom.
1
First Chicago taproom
Phase Three's first location within city limits.
2
Inspections passed
License inspections passed on September 24, 2026.

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People Involved

EM
Evan Morris
Co-founder, Phase Three Brewing
Leading Chicago expansion
SB
Shaun Berns
Co-founder and head brewer, Phase Three Brewing
Overseeing brewing operations
BB
Brittany Berns
Co-founder, Phase Three Brewing
Managing taproom operations

Organizations Involved

PT
Phase Three Brewing Company
Craft Brewery
Expanding to Chicago

Suburban craft brewery with taprooms in Lake Zurich and Elmhurst, opening its first Chicago location in Avondale.

Timeline

December 2023 November 2026

4 events Latest: 4 days ago
Tap a bar to jump to that date

  1. Chicago issues tavern license for Phase Three at 3057 N. Rockwell St.

    Latest License

    The City of Chicago issued a tavern license allowing consumption of liquor on the premises.

  2. License inspections passed for Phase Three's Avondale location

    Inspection

    Two license inspections were passed, according to city records.

  3. Phase Three announces plans for first Chicago taproom

    Announcement

    Phase Three Brewing said it would take over the former Metropolitan Brewing space at Rockwell on the River.

  4. Metropolitan Brewing closes at 3057 N. Rockwell St.

    Closure

    Metropolitan Brewing operated a riverfront taproom there from 2017 until December 2023, closing amid financial trouble.

Scenarios

1

Phase Three opens Avondale taproom by March 31, 2027

Likely Resolves by Q1 2027

Discussed by: The brewery has said it plans to open later in 2026; industry observers expect a 2027 opening given typical build-out timelines.

Phase Three has said it plans to open the taproom later in 2026. The license was issued in November. If the company follows through, an opening in early 2027 is likely.

2

Phase Three adds pizza and food service at Avondale taproom by end of 2027

Possible Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: The brewery has said it plans to build out a kitchen and offer pizza after opening.

Phase Three co-owner Evan Morris said the company plans to add a kitchen and pizza after opening. The former Metropolitan space did not have food service.

3

Phase Three delays Avondale opening beyond 2027

Unlikely Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: No current indication of delay, but construction and licensing can slip.

The license is issued, but build-out and final inspections could delay opening. The company has not announced a firm date.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

December 2023

Metropolitan Brewing closure (2023)

Metropolitan Brewing operated a riverfront taproom at 3057 N. Rockwell St. from 2017 until December 2023. The brewery closed amid financial trouble, leaving the space vacant.

Then

The space remained vacant for nearly three years.

Now

Phase Three Brewing signed a lease in 2026 to take over the location.

Why this matters now

Shows the challenges of operating a craft brewery in Chicago and the opportunity for Phase Three to revive a known space.

2024-2026

Chicago craft beer consolidations (2024-2026)

Several Chicago craft breweries closed or merged. Revolution closed its Logan Square brewpub in 2024. Maplewood and Half Acre announced a merger in 2026. Ravinia's Steep Ravine brewpub also closed.

Then

The market contracted, leaving fewer taproom options.

Now

Surviving breweries like Phase Three are expanding into the city.

Why this matters now

Phase Three's expansion runs counter to the trend of closures and consolidations.

Sources

(3)
City of Chicago Block Club Chicago Option Premier